Two held for writing pro-Pakistan slogan and abusive slur against Kannadigas on washroom walls of their workplace

Bengaluru: Police have arrested two men in their 20s for allegedly writing pro-Pakistan slogans and abusive content against Kannadigas on the walls of a washroom in a factory linked to a Japanese automotive component manufacturer in Bidadi near Ramanagara. The Bidadi police have arrested Haimad Hussain, 21, Yadgir, and Sadiq, 24, Kalaburagi both from north Karnataka. The suspects had been working on a contract basis with the company.

According to a senior police officer, the suspects were enraged because their colleagues had mocked them after Pakistan lost to India in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy in the league stage in February. Hence, they wrote the slogans. However, they are investigating the links and friends circle of the suspects to ascertain if there is any other motive. 

On March 14, two phrases—one hailing Pakistan and another abusing Kannadigas—were found written on two different walls of the washroom of the factory located in Bhimenahalli near Bidadi. The HR of the company immediately got them erased and attached a circular on the notice board warning the employees not to indulge in such activities.

However, an unknown employee had shared the scribbling on social media platforms, which was circulated further by other social media users. After the picture went viral on social media, the HR filed a complaint with the Bidadi police, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

An FIR was filed under BNS sections 196 (actions or speech that promote disharmony, enmity, or hatred between different groups based on religion, race, language, or region, aiming to maintain social harmony and prevent public disturbances) and 353 (2) (the act of making, publishing, or circulating false statements, rumors, or alarming news with the intent to create or promote enmity, hatred, or ill will between different groups), along with relevant sections of the IT Act.

Police launched investigations into the case and ascertained the handwritings of the employees, which led them to the suspects.